Three Ideas for the Perfect Chicagoland Picnic

Chicagoland truly comes to life in the spring and summer months — and there are few better ways to enjoy a beautiful day than with a picnic!  Whether you go solo or share with friends and family, packing a picnic is a wonderful way to enjoy a tasty meal al fresco, while soaking in the sunshine, the fresh air, and all of the wonderful outdoor ambience that our area has to offer.  And when you go picnicking in Chicagoland, you're taking part in a wonderful worldwide tradition! The use of the word "picnic" has been traced back to 1794 — about 100 years after 'pique-nique' first appeared in the French language. Whatever flair you put on it, picnics are a big deal around the globe. Here in the states, we go through billions of pounds of picnic favorites each year. For instance, there were more than 3.7 billions pounds of watermelon grown in 2019 alone!  Ready to plan the perfect Chicagoland picnic for summer 2021? We're here to make things easier. Here are some handy guides and resources for… 

Finding the Best Picnic Spots In Chicagoland

Illinois is known as the Prairie State for a reason! From the city to the suburbs, Chicagoland is known for its easy access to unbeatable parks and greenspaces, including great spots for picnicking on a summer afternoon. Looking for a new spot for your next picnic? 

• Choose Chicago lists seven of the best Chicago picnic spots
• TimeOut Chicago shares "the 13 best picnic spots in Chicago"
• Chicago Parent spotlights family-friendly picnic spots in the city and suburbs throughout Chicagoland
• Enjoy Illinois has a great guide to picnicking across Illinois

Want to live in a community that always puts you close to parks, fields, or beaches? Check out our guide to some great Chicagoland neighborhoods for nature lovers, including Elk Grove Village, Lincoln Park, Lisle, and more. 

Packing the Perfect Picnic

The perfect picnic is all about the right location — and the right food and drinks! When you set down your blanket and break out your cups and silverware, you'll want to wow your guests with your picnic prowess.  After shopping for goodies in some of the iconic local markets around neighborhoods like Lincoln Square, the West Loop, and Arlington Heights, check out these guides for putting everything together: 

• Yummly shares a guide on how to pack the perfect picnic
• Delish offers "60 Easy Recipes For Packing A Perfect Picnic"
• Taste of Home presents "80 Picnic Food Ideas to Pack in Your Basket"

Want to support your favorite local businesses — or just feeling too eager to enjoy the day to worry about cooking? 

• Eater Chicago offers a great guide on where to pick up food before visiting your favorite parks
• The Infatuation shares "16 places to get food you can eat on a blanket"
• Better names Chicagoland restaurants that will pack a picnic basket for you
• TimeOut Chicago shares where to buy gourmet picnic baskets in Chicago

Looking to live in a community that puts you close to amazing restaurants and markets? Check out our guide to some of the best Chicagoland neighborhoods for serious foodies. 

Choosing Your Outdoor Entertainment

Finding the right outdoor entertainment can make that wonderful outdoor meal feel even more idyllic.  Fortunately, you're in the right place! Across the city and the suburbs, many local park districts offer fun outdoor activities including movies, concerts, and live theater under the stars. Or, you could plan your picnic around a fun outdoor activity like kayaking, biking, or touring a local garden.  Sticking close to home? For a backyard picnic that wows, check out these al fresco entertaining guides from Taste of Home and RealSimple.  For fun games and outdoor ideas that can take your next picnic get-together over the top, you can find activities for all ages with these excellent resources and ideas from Wired, House Beautiful, and VeryWell Family. 

When Home Means More, You Need a Team With More to Offer

Is your home working for you? For many of us, the way we think about our homes has changed — and that might mean you're ready to make a move to find one that better fits where you are now. After all, home is about so much more than just four walls. Sometimes, you need more of what's outdoors. Buying or selling a home is a big deal, and with everything we experienced in 2020, our homes have never been more important. That's why your local Baird & Warner agent is with you at every step of the way, with the tools and support you need to make your real estate journey easier — including in-house connections with local experts in mortgage and title.  So whether you're looking for more space to run and play or just enough for a seat in the sun, your Baird & Warner agent can help guide you through every part of the buying and selling process to find the place that's just right.